Manuscript Archivist

State of Wisconsin; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

The Manuscripts Coordination Archivist at the Wisconsin Historical Society is a key collaborator in managing incoming collections, creating physical and intellectual control over manuscript materials across formats.

Based in the Collections Division, you will help steward 3.8 million volumes, maps, images, and archival materials and make manuscript resources accessible to researchers, students, and the public.

Qualifications

• Cataloging using one: ArchivesSpace, Alma, or OCLC.
• Processing collections using more product, less process.
• Tracking incoming acquisitions, managing collections paperwork, and assessing needs of incoming collections.
• Appraisal and selection of manuscript material.
• Working with multi format manuscript collections.
• Cataloging using ArchivesSpace, Alma, and OCLC.
• Leading the work of student employees.

Responsibilities

• The Manuscripts Coordination Archivist is a key collaborator in the management of incoming collections, creating physical and intellectual control over manuscript collections in all formats and media.
• The archivist is responsible for setting arrangement and description priorities that align with society-wide initiatives and goals.
• This role is also responsible for the management of collections case file documentation.

Skills

Cataloging experience

Processing collections

Acquisitions tracking

Appraisal & selection

Tools

ArchivesSpace

Alma

OCLC

Job description

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The Wisconsin Historical Society , considered one of the nation's finest historical institutions, is a State of Wisconsin government agency as well as a mission-driven entrepreneurial organization. The Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS), founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving, and sharing stories. At its core, WHS believes that increasing the public's knowledge of history has profound societal, cultural, and economic benefit. Its library, archives and collections, historic sites and museums, historic preservation office, and extensive educational programs and community outreach are focused on our vision to enrich and transform lives through unparalleled access to history. Click here for more information about WHS’ mission, vision, and core values.

WHS is committed to being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization because we truly believe this is the most effective way to attract, engage, and retain the best talent and the most meaningful way to support our mission.

Click here for more information about working for WHS.

Position Summary

The Manuscripts Coordination Archivist is a key collaborator in the management of incoming collections, creating physical and intellectual control over manuscript collections in all formats and media. The Archivist is a member of the Collections Division, which stewards of collection of 3.8 million printed and microform North American volumes, 25,000 maps, 3 million historical images and 110,000 cubic feet of archival materials, and 750,000 three dimensional artifacts. Manuscripts Coordination Archivist plays an important role in making manuscript material available for WHS’s users including researchers, students, teachers, staff, and community members across the State of Wisconsin.

The primary responsibilities of this position are physical stabilization of materials, inventorying and cataloging, and housing of collections. The archivist is responsible for setting arrangement and description priorities that align with society-wide initiatives and goals. This role is also responsible for the management of collections case file documentation.

This position encourages and contributes to an inclusive, rewarding, and inspiring workplace where constant learning cultivates a sense of belonging. This position will contribute to a culture of inclusivity and equity while working collaboratively across the organization. The archivist supports the needs of Society staff across divisions and larger Society strategic pursuits while modeling empathy, clear communication, and adaptability to changes in practices within the cultural heritage field.

Salary Information

The salary will be between $28.00 - $34.00 per hour plus excellent benefits. Pay on appointment for current or former state employees may vary according to the applicable pay provisions found in the Wisconsin State Compensation Plan.This position is in pay schedule 13, range 04. The classification for this position is Archivist. A 12-month probationary period will be required.

A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment to determine if the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job.

Interested permanent classified state employees should complete this application process to apply.

WHS does not sponsor work visas. Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant being able to prove valid status to work in the United States.

This position works full-time in the office.

Qualifications

Please make sure to describe the following qualifications within your resume and/or letter of qualifications in order to be considered for this position.

A minimally qualified candidate will haveexperience in all of the following:

• Cataloging using one: ArchivesSpace, Alma, or OCLC
• Processing collections using more product, less process
• Tracking incoming acquisitions, managing collections paperwork, and assessing needs of incoming collections
• Appraisal and selection of manuscript material

In addition to meeting minimum qualifications, a well-qualified candidate will have demonstrated experience in at least one of the following areas:

• Working with multi format manuscript collections
• Cataloging using ArchivesSpace, Alma, and OCLC
• Leading the work of student employees

Deadline to Apply

Applications are due at 11:59PM onOctober 23, 2026.